Can rats eat nuts?

Yes, but only a little: rats can eat nuts. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) names nuts as a treat to offer whole, for enrichment and to wear down the teeth. The University of Liverpool’s veterinary practice mentions small daily amounts of nuts. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) lists nuts as a source of fat to give in limited amounts, and Switzerland’s federal veterinary office (BLV) says to offer fatty foods only in small amounts. The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) calls hazelnuts well suited and lists nuts in the shell as an occasional or rare food.

How to serve it: whole (TVT), shell on is fine too (Zürcher Tierschutz)

Good to know: The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) says overweight rats should get no more than one nut a month, and if your rats are very possessive about food, skip nuts altogether so they don’t fight.